Texas Gov. Signs Bill Blocking Anti-Israel Companies from Doing Business with State

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a blockbuster bill last week that blocks state agencies from pursuing contracts with companies that participate in boycotts against America’s closest ally in the Middle East, Israel.

Authored by state Rep. Phil King, House Bill 89 specifically “prohibits the state of Texas from conducting business with companies involved in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel,” according to a statement by the Office of the Governor.

“After the bill becomes law, it ensures that certain public funds are not invested in any entities participating in this movement,” the statement continued. “Additionally, state contracts will only be given to verified businesses to guarantee that Texas maintains a strong and supportive relationship with Israel.”

Related Stories

Here’s the kicker: The bill was reportedly signed on Yom Ha’atzmaut, a national holiday commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence signed on May 14, 1948.

“I am proud to have commemorated Israel’s Independence Day by signing into law Anti-BDS legislation in Texas,” Abbott said in the statement. “As Israel’s number-one trading partner in the United States, Texas is proud to reaffirm its support for the people of Israel and we will continue to build on our historic partnership.”

“Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies, and we will not tolerate such actions against an important ally,” he added.

Advertisement - story continues below

According to statements issued to The Jerusalem Post by a number of Jewish leaders, it was clear that the Jewish community was pleased by the governor’s bold action.

“How fitting that Gov. Abbott signed the anti-BDS legislation into law on Yom Ha’atzmaut,” said Joel Schwitzer, regional director the American Jewish Committee’s office in Dallas.

“Advocates of BDS would do well to learn from the robust business relationship Texas enjoys with the state of Israel,” added Charles Kaufman, who chairs B’nai B’rith’s International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy. “The path to peace is not through hatred, false narratives, boycotts or terrorism. States like Texas won’t fall for such nonsense.”

Christians United for Israel was also pleased, with CUFI Action Fund chairwoman Sandy Hagee Parker saying, “I’m very proud of my home state for standing up for the U.S.-Israel relationship and effectively shutting down the BDS movement’s efforts to make Texas complicit in their antisemitism.”

Everybody was pleased — including likely even the United States’ Israel-supporting president, Donald Trump. The only ones who weren’t happy were the deranged maniacs who hate Israel, including probably former President Barack Obama.